The winner of the race will replace Bill Hubbard, who pleaded guilty to taking bribes from three parish contractors and resigned from office on Sept. 25. He is awaiting sentencing.

The three-day qualifying period for the election ends at 5 p.m. today.

A runoff election, if one is needed, will be held May 1.

The winner of the election will serve the remainder of Hubbard's term, which expires in January 2012.

Voters also will be asked on the March 27 ballot to renew a 1-mill property tax dedicated to housing juvenile detainees. If approved, the tax would be levied for 20 years.

The tax, which generated $294,000 last year, also would pay to remodel the building that houses juvenile probation officers, counselors and judges. The parish has already awarded a $208,000 contract to do the work.